Here's the next instalment enjoy!
Obi-Wan gazed over the picturesque landscape as he and Qui-Gon hiked the small distance back to where they were staying, they were being hosted by a clan of tribe's people native to the planet. As the pair crested over the last hill, his eyes swept over the horizon taking in the untouched beauty of the natural landscape. Hills and mountain ranges surrounded the encampment on all sides, a rushing waterfall crashed distantly in the east leading to the village's water source, a winding river that continued further than the eye could see.
Obi-Wan could feel his master's pleasure at the view, he had always been a great lover of wildlife and nature. It was where the living force was at its strongest so it really wasn't a shock to anyone that Qui-Gon adored missions that sent them on a path like this. It was now a few hours after sunrise, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon had left early to fit in a morning's of training regimes. Qui-Gon had insisted on them moving away from the village's dwellers, most of them had still been asleep after all.
Thankfully his master hadn't brought up their little intruder on the short journey back, it was much appreciated by Obi-Wan who blushed at the thought of the teen. He didn't know what it was, the girl just wouldn't stop staring at him! He had never given the girl any reason to not like him, in that case he hadn't actually spoken to her yet she would not quit gawking! Whatever the reason Obi-Wan was sure Qui-Gon knew exactly what was going on, he would always smirk down at his apprentice whenever she was around which certainly did not help matters.
They had been on the planet for 3 standard days now and were coming towards the end of negotiations, well he hoped so anyway. As much as Qui-Gon loved the outdoors Obi-Wan himself was not such a devoted fan. He longed for a warm shower, rather than having to bathe in a strikingly freezing river and force he had never wished so much to be back at the temple with the generous servings of tasty food. This was just, uncivilised.
New settlers wanting to build a technological town had requested Jedi mediation to negotiate a treaty with the native people to the planet situated in the village, it was an exceedingly delicate situation. The natives here did not use technology, believing instead that they were better off living off of nature. So when the new settlers arrived begging permission to build a new settlement so close by the Jedi were called in to try and stop any confrontations coming of the talks, there main role was to try and find a solution that pleased both sides. Which was much harder than Obi-Wan had ever imagined, Qui-Gon was a very skilled diplomat however so after three days of grueling negotiations a treaty was almost ready.
Both master and apprentice made their way into the village perimeters, the smell of fire and breakfast wafting to their noses. They had been longer out training than either of them had intended, the smell of food had both Jedi's stomachs rumbling. They were beckoned over to the fire by the Chief's wife who took no nonsense so before either man could diplomatically retreat, they both had bowls of steaming broth thrust into their laps. Obi-Wan pleadingly looked up at Qui-Gon, hoping to retreat back to their own tents where ration packs waited. With a terse shake of his head Obi-Wan's dreams were quashed, it certainly would not do to insult their hosts by refusing their hospitality.
So with that Obi-Wan diplomatically started drinking the broth bringing the steaming bowl to his dry lips, ignoring the lumps and trying not to imagine what kind of creature had been stirred into the dish. To his utter bewilderment the meal had not tasted nearly as bad as he had imagined from the smell, it was actually quite satisfactory. Obi-Wan made a mental note to not judge a meal by just it's appearances from now on, he had been proven wrong. He noted the Jedi master glance down at him, approved at his new state of mind.
After Qui-Gon thanked their hosts he excused the pair to go and freshen up before the morning's meeting, the representatives from the new settlement would be arriving within the hour, eager to carry on with the talks. Obi-Wan led the way, practically skipping towards the tent they had been assigned, determined to escape the sun's merciless rays. Qui-Gon shook his head in bewilderment at his padawan's antics before following the boy into the shaded refuge, muttering very quietly under his breath; 'so much to learn…'
"It is just not acceptable. I'm sorry, Master Jedi, but the matter is non-negotiable." The chief's voice bellowed in the tent, rising as he spoke.
"How are we supposed to continue when you won't allow us this?" One of the representatives blurted out angrily also rising before Qui-Gon could address the chief.
"Please, gentlemen, we can resolve this situation without the need for aggression." Qui-Gon easily towered over the two men, and after a warning look and some not so very subtle calming force suggestions the opposing men both lowered themselves to the floor again.
Obi-Wan huffed silently, they had been so close to finalising the agreement when the chief had declared that whilst the new settlers could build on the land they required, they did not have permission to disturb any of the trees in the location. Everyone in the tent knew that this stipulation meant any building attempts would not be possible, it had thrown a complete spanner in the works. Obi-Wan glanced upwards at his mentor to notice him deep in thought, mind working through the possibilities and compromises at an exceedingly fast rate.
Abruptly Qui-Gon's eyes met his, a familiar twinkle in his gaze making butterflies flutter in Obi-Wan's stomach. The familiar piercing gaze was usually followed by one of his master's bright ideas, Obi-Wan usually did not like these ideas and something was telling him he wouldn't like this one bit either.
"What do you think, Obi-Wan? Perhaps it's time for a fresh perspective," Qui-Gon asked calmly, projecting tranquility to Obi-Wan as he noted his student's heart rate rise a few notches.
Damn him, Obi-Wan thought to himself. Was this a punishment for earlier? No, surely his master wouldn't be so reckless to endanger a negotiation for that, would he? He banished the thought from his mind, deducing his master had some reason for the new tactic. He suddenly became aware of the focal point of the tent, him. Everyone's gaze had travelled to his very still form, expectance and inquisitiveness sparkling in their eyes. That's when Obi-Wan twigged onto his master's latest devious scheming, both parties took notice of their young's voices even going so far as to allow certain decision's to be made by them. They both put immense trust in their younger generations, believing that they have just as much a say as the elders as they would be inheriting the land next. Obi-Wan marveled at his master's cunningness and very swiftly returned his mind to the present problem, they would be expecting him to speak by now.
"Urm… I understand both points of view, but obviously if this can continue we need to reach some sort of compromise." Obi-Wan began unsteadily, painfully aware that all the attention in the tent was still fixed on him. At Qui-Gon's encouraging look he continued.
"Chief Toko, is there no way you can allow these men to cut down the trees if they plant new ones? Surely you see the need for it and the village would be with an abundance of fire wood for some time." Obi-Wan attempted to plead to the needs of the people, lowering his voice slightly as the chief's face scowled slightly.
"There is a certain balance that must be kept, when we chop down trees ourselves it has never been in such quantity. We would see it as an insult to our gods to destroy so much of his work in one swoop," Chief Toko replied obviously not swayed by Obi-Wan's argument of the village's need.
The representative huffed, Obi-Wan ignored the gesture.
"But surely your ancestor's levelled this area to build this village? Is it so different?" Obi-Wan tactfully changed his line of inquiry, attempting to make the chief see that it wouldn't be so bad.
"Of course it's different! You question our beliefs our very ideals?!" Chief Toko rose to his feet angrily, temper rising faster by the second. Oops…
"No I only meant…" Obi-Wan desperately stammered his next sentence, desperately attempting to back pedal to safer ground. He was not ready for this.
"Calm yourselves the boy meant no harm, he was only attempting to find some common ground." Thankfully Qui-Gon leapt into the fray noticing his apprentice's distress, Obi-Wan felt some soothing currents in the force as his master successfully calmed the atmosphere.
"Hmm…" The chief was pondering over the Jedi master's words, plopping himself back down again. Obi-Wan forgotten.
That suited him just fine, what had Qui-Gon been thinking allowing him to take the lead?! He felt his embarrassment rise and resorted to brooding in his seated position.
"Now I think what my apprentice was coming around to was the prospect of building in stages." Qui-Gon continued, looking both men in the eye before continuing.
"How so?" The representative looked puzzled, seeking clarification on the proposed solution.
"We understand your fears of upsetting the balance on the planet, so I propose the new settlers be allowed to cut down enough trees to complete an area of building. Plant anew and continue after you feel there has been enough growth." Qui-Gon addressed the chief and the representative in turn.
The representative didn't look excited at the prospect of having to wait months at a time between building, but they could make do and this was better than nothing. The chief seemed to ponder Qui-Gon's proposal for some time before nodding slowly.
"That would be acceptable yes." He slowly pronounced, offering a hand to the representative who in turn took the offering of friendship.
"Excellent." Qui-Gon pronounced rising to his feet before offering his arm to both men.
"We can finalise the details in the morning, it has been a long day." At both men's confirmation the tent started to clear of people, the business done.
Obi-Wan still had his head hung against his chest, disappointed at his first attempts of negotiations. He hadn't meant to anger either party! Soon it was just he and Qui-Gon left in the tent, all others heading off to celebrate their new treaty.
Qui-Gon headed over to his apprentice's side and laid a hand on his shoulder. Obi-Wan glanced upwards expecting to see shame or disappointment covering Qui-Gon's features, finding none Obi-Wan's brows furrowed in confusion eliciting a grin from Qui-Gon.
"You think I should be mad at you, Padawan?" The elder man queried mischievously, plopping down besides Obi-Wan.
"I nearly ruined the entire thing!" Obi-Wan huffed, shamefully glaring at the ground.
"You did no such thing." Qui-Gon assured him, hand resting on the young boys shoulder.
"In fact you did very well, I could sense the solution in your mind. You may have just ah… over done it." Qui-Gon chuckled as he used one of his padawan's famous lines.
This earned a meek smile from Obi-Wan who whipped his head towards his mentor's, not quite believing for himself Qui-Gon's belief in his abilities.
"I didn't mean to make him angry," Obi-Wan muttered almost to himself.
"I know, Obi-Wan, you just need a tad more patience young one. Do not worry it will come in time, for your first negotiations that was a commendable attempt." Qui-Gon beamed as he gave Obi-Wan's arm an affectionate squeeze before rising to leave.
"Yes, Master." Replied Obi-Wan, spirits lifted slightly after his master's praise.
"Now come, we must go get some rest. It has been a long day and something tells me tomorrow will be just as long" Qui-Gon lead the way out of the tent into the cool evening air, celebrations already in full swing outside.
"Here and now, Master…" Obi-Wan chided playfully, parroting one of Qui-Gon's own lessons back at him cheekily.
"Scamp," Qui-Gon retorted grabbing Obi-Wan's neck into a playful headlock, laughing heartily as they made their way back to their own tent.
Yes tomorrow will be a very long indeed… Qui-Gon thought quietly to himself, noting the forewarnings in the force but deciding not to dwell on the specifics.
Next chapter isn't so far away!
Until next time...